An LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy Discussion with Pyxis Partners’ Michael Manganiello

June 30, 2023

ACHP is proud to recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements made by members of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. June provides us all a time to reflect on the unique needs and lived experiences of members of this community and the work that has been done to secure and protect individual freedoms. Improving health equity is at the core of ACHP’s mission – ACHP member companies are deeply ingrained in their communities and are working each day to close gaps in care among their communities. We are proud to champion equality and LGBTQ+ rights by sharing thoughts from people such as Pyxis Partners’ Michael Manganiello on the importance of promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity.   

Pyxis Partners and ACHP work together to promote policies delivering higher-quality health coverage on Capitol Hill and in the Administration. The Founder, President and CEO of Pyxis Partners, Michael Manganiello, has made a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals through strategic partnerships with like-minded clients. 

Michael Manganiello took the time to sit down with ACHP for a Pride Month discussion and noted the inclusive and transformative work of three ACHP member organizations:  Kaiser Permanente, Geisinger Health Plan and Security Health Plan. These organizations demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care to LGBTQ+ individuals. For example, Kaiser Permanente offers specialized care including gender pathways for transgender individuals, while Geisinger Health Plan has established a patient liaison office to connect LGBTQ+ patients with knowledgeable providers. Security Health Plan’s gender-affirming program helps individuals access appropriate health care providers. These partnerships exemplify Pyxis Partners’ dedication to collaborating with organizations, like ACHP, that share their values and vision. 

One of Michael’s biggest accomplishments was securing a contract with Pyxis Partners’ biggest client: the Precision Medicine Initiative. They focus on tailoring care to individuals’ specific illnesses through scientific advancements. They actively address the historical bias in clinical research through the National Institute of Health’s All of Us research program, enrolling a diverse range of participants and involving trusted community members. Michael is proud of Pyxis Partners’ involvement in clinical trials, which reflects their commitment to inclusivity in medical research and advancing health care for all. 

Michael Manganiello draws from his personal journey to offer advice, emphasizing the significance of perseverance and hope. He has far surpassed his initial life expectancy projections, having now lived over 40 years with HIV. Michael believes that by instilling hope in others and fostering passion, individuals can navigate challenges and make a difference. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope, not only individually, but also for the LGBTQ+ community and for society. 

Michael’s personal journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and fighting against the odds. He encourages others to embrace the same spirit and nurture the passion that drives them to make a difference. Pyxis Partners strives to create an environment where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met through their work and partnerships. 

As Pride Month shines a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community, Pyxis Partners stands as a beacon of hope. Under Michael Manganiello’s leadership, they exemplify the transformative power of collaboration and unity through their unwavering commitment to their mission, vision, values, and partnerships with like-minded institutions. Pyxis Partners actively works towards creating a more equitable health care system for the diverse needs of all individuals through initiatives like the Precision Medicine Initiative and the All of Us research program.